Patent GB-190807512-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Photographic Cameras
Filed: 1908-04-04
Granted: 1909-02-04
Abstract: 7512. Gaut, J., and Harrington & Co. Feb. 12, [date applied for under Section 91 of Patents &c. Act, 1907]. Cameras are provided with a hinged carrier holding an opaque focusing-leaf viewed directly from a hooded aperture in the camera top and adapted to swing up and automatically release the shutter. The operating-finger used to release the screen also effects the compensation for the distance between the focusing and sensitized surfaces. The camera front 26, Fig. 2, is attached to the camera body 25 by a bellows 27, and is secured to a sliding plate 28 carrying racks 29 engaged by pinions 30. Figs. 2 and 3, on a spindle 31. On this spindle is provided a loose sleeve 32 carrying a-spring which is attached to the camera and to a finger 34 on a collar 35 of the sleeve 32, and thus presses the finger 34 against a stop 44 in the camera. An operating-finger 37 is pivoted to a flange on the sleeve, and has a piece 38 gripping around a boss on the spindle which terminates in a head 40. This head 40 is used to focus the camera, and the compensation for the focal distance is effected by depressing the finger 37, whereupon the gripping- piece 38 rotates the spindle 31 and pinions 30. The finger 34 reaches a stop-pin 41, Fig. 2, and tilts a lever 42, which normally holds the leaf 47 in the focusing position by a catch 46. The leaf has lips 58 forming grooves for a black mask 59 towards the lens, and when released rests against the boxing 52 and covers the orifice 61 in the camera top 60. This top allows access to the leaf 47 and carries a flap 65 with a forehead rest 64 and collapsible sides 63 ; the flap 65 is provided with a groove and catch for retaining a flap 67, which contains eye-holes, fitted, if desired, with lenses, and is hinged to a flap 62. For an instantaneous exposure, the roller-blind shutter 56 is set, and the leaf 47 when released strikes a pendant 53, which releases a detent 54 from a ratchet 55 and operates the shutter. In a modification, Fig. 6, the operating-finger 37 also moves a finger 76, causing the catch 80 to release the shutter 78. The leaf 47 near the end of its travel engages a pin 87 and opens the shutter 78. When an instantaneous exposure is desired, the roller-blind shutter 56 in front of the bellows-back 77 is also set. As an alternative, an internal sectordivision or shield is used, having an orifice for the passage of the light rays, the leaf releasing a roller-blind shutter behind the bellows-back 77. In the camera shown in Fig. 10, the compensation for focal distance is effected by a frame 93 secured to the sliding plate 28 by a set-screw 106 after focusing. The frame 93 is moved the fixed distance from the body 25 against the action of a spring 105, and is held by the engagement of a catch 98 with a nick 97 in a bar 94, and by the engagement of a catch 101 on a latch 99 with a recess 102 in the frame 93. This latch 99 has a pin 100 to release it when the bar 94 strikes a lever 96, thereby releasing the catch 46. The latch 99 may be dispensed with, and the frame may be drawn in by an angle-plate attached to it, or by a lever 108, Fig. 15, acting on a fixed stop 110. In this case, the back frame 123, on approaching the front frame 125, operates a finger 42 to release the catch 46 and leaf 47. In a magazine camera, the plates are pressed forward by a spring so that the front plate occupies the position of the focusing-leaf, which is released by a catch 46, Fig. 16, and head 135. The cover 132 of the receiving-box 133 is kept closed by an arm 134 on the carrier ; the cover 132 opens the box 133 to receive exposed plates when the leaf 47 is raised, and is closed when the leaf is re-set in the focusing position.